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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman has confirmed that a military official at the country’s diplomatic mission in New Zealand has been charged with sexual assault and that he returned home last month using diplomatic immunity.

Anifah told reporters Tuesday that a defense ministry panel will investigate the junior official and “stern action will be taken” if he is found guilty.

He said the accused will be sent back to New Zealand “if it is absolutely necessary.” Asked to elaborate, Anifah said he will be extradited if New Zealand requests it or if New Zealand thinks the Malaysian investigation is not being conducted properly.

He says Malaysia was willing to waive diplomatic immunity but decided to take up New Zealand’s offer to invoke diplomatic immunity and bring him back back home.

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